Rick Bassman teases that something big, potentially involving Goldberg and Sting, is in the works.
WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg wrestled once in 2022; he lost the last match on his WWE contract at WWE Elimination Chamber, where he lost to Roman Reigns. Goldberg's contract expired at the end of 2022, and the two sides did not reach a deal. The legend has discussed his status as a free agent and noted that he was "leaning towards" a four-city world tour. In March 2023, Fightful Select reported that several companies, including one in Israel, were interested in booking Goldberg. Meanwhile, fellow WWE Hall of Famer Sting remains part of the AEW roster, but he recently stated that "showtime" is almost over.
Speaking with Nick Hausman of Haus of Wrestling, promoter, trainer, and agent Rick Bassman commented on the rumors surrounding both Sting and Goldberg's eventual retirements. He noted that they are working on a date that would potentially involve Goldberg and Sting, but it hasn't been nailed down yet.
“First of all, I’m actively in touch with Bill. I’m working on a date right now. I don’t promote much these days, but every now and then, something fun comes up, and it’s worth diving into. So working on a date in Jerusalem, Israel, for September of this year, and that would involve potentially both Goldberg and Sting. You have the AEW clearance issues of course, so that’s something I really hope to put together. Now, only because I’ve been in touch actively with Bill, and then also with his agent, Barry Bloom, who’s a longtime good friend, they are working on exactly what you described. But to my knowledge, it still needs to all be nailed down. That said, I would not be surprised to see Bill end up back at WWE for something massive. Who knows," Bassman said.
Hausman noted that Goldberg could do something "big", as he is a proven draw. Bassman agreed, and he questioned what story and/or match would be fitting for a star of Goldberg's status. He pointed out that creating something with a performer who might not be that the top level could also be an option.
“He could, without question. The big question on top of that is, what is it creatively, [or] who, when you really get down to the talent that’s out there and available, let’s say independently, who do you program Goldberg with to make it meaningful? Or do you have to create something where you take guys who may not be at the top, top level, but be smart enough about how you shoot an angle or a program to make it meaningful to draw on the level a Goldberg should draw?" Bassman said.
When asked about the retirement rumors surrounding Sting, which suggest that "The Icon" may not have a lot of time left as an in-ring competitor, Bassman noted that he believes them. He stated that he keeps in touch with Sting, and he's confident that the Hall of Famer is in good shape financially.
“I positively believe the rumor to be true. I talk with Sting maybe once a month, once every two months, and the impression I have is, the rumor you’re referencing is probably pretty accurate. He’s 64 now, and unlike most guys, especially from his era, he’s in relatively good physical condition. He’s in very, very good financial shape, so what else is there for him to do at this point? He’s been a top guy in the world for decades now. He’s well-liked, he’s well-respected. He’s still reasonably good in the ring, and he’s a guy that could absolutely afford, by every metric and measure to go out on top, so why the heck would he not? Then if he wants a place backstage, if that we’re something he was interested in, I’m sure that AEW and probably WWE for that matter would be very happy to have him," Bassman said.
Bassman also noted that he wasn't sure whether Sting would want to have a backstage role, but he expressed his hope that the legend would take care of his body as his in-ring career comes to an end.
Wardlow recently teased his interest in facing Goldberg. Check out his comments here.
Click here to see what Tony Khan had to say about Sting's potential retirement.
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